Gas-Electric HW Heater

[oldvws]

can someonre explain how the electric-propane ones work ?
I understand one or the other but having both would just seem like 2 heaters sitting next to each other maybe using a common tank.....

I assume it will work with only 110v or only propane (how does the pilot light then)

thanks for the info

[Pahaska]

I assume your question has to do with a water heater with a tank.

The electric/propane water heaters are just a conventional propane water heater with an added electric element. The electric element has its own thermostat.

You can convert a plain propane water heater with any of several kits on the market, though I have heard that the manufacturers may void your water heater warrenty. The conversion is simply a 120v heating element replacing the drain plug.

You can run propane, electric, or both at the same time for faster recovery. It doesn't really matter since the thermostats will cut off the sources of heat when the water gets hot enough.

[TheBigRedTruck]

Works like a standard propane hot water heater with an adjustable thermostat. Some have standing pilots, some have electronic ignition. In the rear of the holding tank there is a 110 electric rod, most are set at a present temp. You can use either one alone, propane or electric, or you can use both for faster recovery time.

[Pahaska]

I assume it will work with only 110v or only propane (how does the pilot light then)

The 120v element works just like the one in your home: a thermostat turns it on and off depending on water temperature.

There will be a switch somewhere in the RV to enable or disable the eletric element. It pulls a lot of current and you want it off when you are using other heavy loads such as electric heaters

[Ag&Au]

This looked like as good place as any to post this question.

When I have both the electric and gas turned on on our water heater, the gas still cycles on and off periodically even with very little hot water use.

I am wonder if this is normal. Should I be looking at the electric portion to be sure it is even working?

Ken

[Aviator]

Your electric is most likely working fine, just with a slightly lower thermostat setting than the gas side of things. If the intent is to save propane, I would suggest either turning down the gas thermostat setting, or turning up the electric one.

[lewster]

The thermostats in the newer Atwood water heaters that are found in newer Airstreams are not adjustable. Rather, they do come in two flavors; 130*F and 140*F. the temp grade should be stamped on the outside edge of the t/stat.